Using the built in Solar Connectors?

[slydog75]

So, what do I need, bare minimum, to use the built in solar connectors on my 2019 23BHM? I really just want it to keep my battery charged when not in use (I can't park close enough to AC power to keep it plugged in full time. GoPower seems to have, as the cheapest option, the 190W Overlander panel for $400+. Do I have to go GoPower or is there a connection standard that everyone uses? I see much cheaper options on Amazon.

Do I need a "solar controller"?

 

[RogerR-JAY]

Renogy systems including an MPPT charger for 100 watts runs about $330. The charger takes the power from the panel and converts it to the appropriate voltage to either recharge the battery or "float" charge it. Without a solar controller it would be like leaving your battery on a 10 amp charger and coming back to find it boiled dry. Look at a few youtubes and do a little research on this site. "going solar" is a good start and will get you much more informed.

 

[scloyd]

So, what do I need, bare minimum, to use the built in solar connectors on my 2019 23BHM? I really just want it to keep my battery charged when not in use (I can't park close enough to AC power to keep it plugged in full time. GoPower seems to have, as the cheapest option, the 190W Overlander panel for $400+. Do I have to go GoPower or is there a connection standard that everyone uses? I see much cheaper options on Amazon.

Do I need a "solar controller"?

I purchased the GoPower Eco Solar 80W roof top kit. Came with everything needed except Dicor self leveling lap sealant. I purchased everything from etrailer.

Our 2021 145RB came pre-wired for solar. It was easier than I thought to install and wire. It took a couple of hours. I went with the 80 watt panel because all I care about is keeping the battery charged, the pump for the fresh water tank, the furnace and a couple of lights.

So far it's been working just fine for my needs. I can always add another panel in the future if needed.

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Solar-Panels/Go-Power/34272627.html

 

[slydog75]

Renogy systems including an MPPT charger for 100 watts runs about $330. The charger takes the power from the panel and converts it to the appropriate voltage to either recharge the battery or "float" charge it. Without a solar controller it would be like leaving your battery on a 10 amp charger and coming back to find it boiled dry. Look at a few youtubes and do a little research on this site. "going solar" is a good start and will get you much more informed.

Thanks!

I purchased the GoPower Eco Solar 80W roof top kit. Came with everything needed except Dicor self leveling lap sealant. I purchased everything from etrailer.

Our 2021 145RB came pre-wired for solar. It was easier than I thought to install and wire. It took a couple of hours. I went with the 80 watt panel because all I care about is keeping the battery charged, the pump for the fresh water tank, the furnace and a couple of lights.

So far it's been working just fine for my needs. I can always add another panel in the future if needed.

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Solar-Panels/Go-Power/34272627.html

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[slydog75]

I purchased the GoPower Eco Solar 80W roof top kit. Came with everything needed except Dicor self leveling lap sealant. I purchased everything from etrailer.

Our 2021 145RB came pre-wired for solar. It was easier than I thought to install and wire. It took a couple of hours. I went with the 80 watt panel because all I care about is keeping the battery charged, the pump for the fresh water tank, the furnace and a couple of lights.

So far it's been working just fine for my needs. I can always add another panel in the future if needed.

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Solar-Panels/Go-in Power/34272627.html

Does the pre-wiring in the Jayco include somewhere to put the controller in this kit?

 

[scloyd]

Does the pre-wiring in the Jayco include somewhere to put the controller in this kit?

Yes.
There was a sticker/template on the wall near the radio. Once I cut a hole in the wall I reached in and pulled out the wires. Easy peasy. The instructions that came with the GoPower kit were easy to follow.

 

[ARoamer]

Not familiar with your rv, but generally put the controller as close to the battery as you can. Mine, 5th wheel, had a sticker on a panel that stated solar ready near the entry door for the roof solar connectors. Wires were behind the sticker, had to splice them together after finding them. I put the controller in the front compartment since it is Bluetooth.
Do your research. Often if you can get more solar for your dollar if you're willing to source the parts yourself rather than buying a kit.

 

[scloyd]

So, what do I need, bare minimum, to use the built in solar connectors on my 2019 23BHM?

Did your trailer come with Wired for Solar or Solar on the Side?

Mine came Wired for Solar so there's a cable entry plate mounted on the roof. Solar on the Side is for plugging a portable solar panel into a port on the side of the trailer.

All of this info is available at gpelectric.com

 

[ARoamer]

Rving with solar group, lots of info here.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/groups/44-rving+with+solar.html

 

[scloyd]

Often if you can get more solar for your dollar if you're willing to source the parts yourself rather than buying a kit.

This is true. If I ever upgrade and purchase a bigger TT, I will source the parts myself since I already installed solar on this TT. I understand it better now. For me purchasing the kit was an easier way to learn.

 

[Bill Johnson]

So, what do I need, bare minimum, to use the built in solar connectors on my 2019 23BHM? I really just want it to keep my battery charged when not in use (I can't park close enough to AC power to keep it plugged in full time. GoPower seems to have, as the cheapest option, the 190W Overlander panel for $400+. Do I have to go GoPower or is there a connection standard that everyone uses? I see much cheaper options on Amazon.

Do I need a "solar controller"?

My Thor came with a 100 watt panel and they forgot the solar controller so I put it in myself. The batteries stay charged all the time. Just remember if it snows you need to clean off the panel also the controller wires were by the front door and my batteries are in the rear and it works great the GoPower controller can be set for any type of battery so if you decide to go lithium and spend a few thousand it will work

 

[scloyd]

@slydog75 When you decide to install a solar panel keep the panel covered with cardboard. Remove the cardboard from the panel after you have it all wired up.

 

[slydog75]

Did your trailer come with Wired for Solar or Solar on the Side?

Mine came Wired for Solar so there's a cable entry plate mounted on the roof. Solar on the Side is for plugging a portable solar panel into a port on the side of the trailer.

All of this info is available at gpelectric.com

Looks like I have both options

 

[billcf7]

All the wired for solar means is you have a connector mounted on the roof or side of the rv with wires running to some location either behind a wall or basement of a fifth wheel. Charge controller is still required to connect to batteries. These connectors and wires are usually only good for 30 amps max.

 

[16WhiteColly]

If the sticker on the side says Z Amp, does that mean it is wired for solar?

 

[Bill Johnson]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.outsidesupply.com%2Fmy-travel-trailer-is-prewired-for-solar-now-what%2F&psig=AOvVaw0NPnTAdgJdaPui6ynDRl19&ust=1629829405941000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCKDmqfLhx_ICFQAAAAAdAAAAABAFI couldn't find anything that a 2016 Starcraft AR One 18QB offered pre wired for solar. I think if it was the solar connectors would be on the roof.

 

[scloyd]

If the sticker on the side says Z Amp, does that mean it is wired for solar?

Check out https://www.zampsolar.com/
You might find your answer there.

 

[67L48]

If the sticker on the side says Z Amp, does that mean it is wired for solar?

On my 2018 Rockwood, it was pre-wired for Zamp solar. At that time, Zamp was intentionally wiring its systems backward to help prevent people from searching out less expensive non-Zamp solar packages. So, before you begin playing with a Zamp pre-wiring RV, make sure you understand the polarity of that wiring loop and the panels you end up with.

It's not a huge barrier, you just have to know about it and then get a device like this to combat Zamp's unscrupulous marketing efforts.

 

[kyleebrock]

I paid $10 for this on sale:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RXKN9MF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_e71DU838ZfxWR

Keeps my battery topped off all winter. I don't even use my trailer's built-in solar cable system. I clamped this to my battery and lay the panel on my propane tank.

 

[dlewand53]

I found out that you can use the power disconnect and hook into the prewired solar using a 30 watt removable solar panel. But the parasitic draw made it hard to keep batteries at full charge. So I wired directly to the battery bank (2 lead acid batteries in parallel) and disconnect negative from RV to battery. The panel is very small and I hang it on the back ladder with wires to front where battery is. Keeps it fully charged when in storage. For us it works great. Got a full kit (panel and charge controller for about $70. Added sae wire to run to front and works out well. Not sure if this what you are looking for but that's how I did it.